Good manners are not usually something you hear about in relation to children. My kids are known for their “friendly” scowl and nonexistent polite words. With every nose pick, sneeze in face, and lack of shown gratitude I feel a deep sense of failure. We decided to make that a priority and found some easy ways to teach manners that have actually worked.

Tell Good Stories

There are unlimited books on manners that give examples of children with bad manners and then children with good manners and why it matters. One of our favorites is “Manners” by Aliki. It is funny and cute and has been easy for my kids to remember throughout their day.

We are also big on rhymes. My kids memorize rhymes easily and the book “Monster Manners” by Bethany Roberts is one they can recite back to me because they love it so much.

We also tell a lot of made up stories usually involving a situation from our day where we could have used better manners. So far this has been extremely effective for my toddlers.

Lead by example

We have been trying to eat meals together as a family at least once a day and that provides the perfect opportunity to show my children proper manners at the table. I make a point to demonstrate what is appropriate and give lots of praise as they remember and copy good manners. It is more difficult for them to notice my manners throughout the day but I try to include them in any process where I am thanking others or asking for permission. Their dad is really good at saying please to our children when he needs their cooperation. They not only enjoyed being asked politely but seemed to not mind helping as much either.

Reward System

Of course my kids most enjoy our reward system. We have a manners chart with each child’s name on a row. Every time they are caught using good manners they are rewarded with a sticker for their row. At the end of every week they receive a small prize for every set of ten stickers they have earned. This has by far been the biggest motivator and has also allowed the kids to notice and praise each other for good manners.

Children will never be perfect little polite robots but they can be civilized human beings. Hopefully these suggestions will be just what your family needs to experience a few less badly timed toots and belches!! Good Luck!

About Grace:

Grace was born and brought up in Bessemer, Alabama but has a great love for exploring new places. She has been married for 8 years and has 3 kids, expecting number 4 in December. Having been  a student off and on for the last 10 years she is excited to say that she is finally graduating from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling this year. She loves to learn and share what she learns with as many people as possible. Strengthening and encouraging positive relationships with couples and families is a life goal and passion. Her biggest hobby is her family and finding new and fun ways to accomplish the above life goal in her home.

Our Giveaways continue with tickets to Monster Jam Triple Threat Series!

Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series brings adrenaline-charged family entertainment to fans across the country. These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes deliver what fans want to see most…more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action!

Each event tests the versatility of the athletes as they go head-to-head in seven different competitions driving three different vehicles — Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs. These athletes battle for points in challenging Racing and Freestyle events that push themselves and their machines to the limit. The point leader will receive an automatic bid to the prestigious Monster Jam World Finals® to compete for the title of World Champion

Featuring: Grave Digger driven by Brandon Vinson, Max-D driven by Jared Eichelberger, El Toro Loco driven by Mark List, Megalodon driven by Justin Sipes, Zombie driven by Ami Houde, Wonder Woman driven by Collete Davis, Blue Thunder by Matt Cody, Monster Mutt Rottweiler by Cory Snyder. Trucks/Drivers subject to change.

The Giveaway:

4 Tickets to see Monster Jam Triple Threat Series at Legacy Arena at BJCC, Saturday, January 6th at 7pm

How to Enter:

2 Chances to win!!

Leave a comment HERE ON THIS POST telling us which Monster Jam Truck or Driver is your favorite and you’ll be entered for a chance to win tickets.

Head over to our Facebook Page, Like Comment and Share for an extra chance to win!

(Winner will be drawn at random on Friday, December 1st. No purchase necessary. Feld Motor Sports is not a sponsor, endorser or administrator of this Sweepstakes.)

Don’t want to wait and see if you win? Go ahead and purchase your tickets through Ticketmaster

The Giveaway:

4 Tickets to see Monster Jam at Legacy Arena, Saturday, January 6th at 7pm

How to Enter:

Leave a comment here telling us which Truck/Driver is your favorite and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. (Winner will be drawn at random on Friday, December 1st)

Don’t want to wait and see if you win? Go ahead and purchase your tickets through Ticketmaster

This is a great gift to keep for yourself or giftaway to someone on your list, as it makes the perfect stocking stuffer!

Created from the inspiration of their large Italian family, Vecchia wants every guest to feel like they are a part of their family. Whether you want to enjoy one of otheir hand-made pizzas fresh out of the brick oven or grab a growler of hand crafted beer on your way home from work, they offer something for everyone.

Nothing goes better with pizza than craft beers and fine wines. Whether you are a hop lover or a grape fanatic, Vecchia has a premium selection of craft beers and Italian wines that will please even the most discerning palette. Their Italian wines vary by season, so there is always something new to try. The staff is great at recommending the perfect pairing for your pizza. In addition to regional Italian wines, they also have an ever-changing selection of local craft beers. The craft beers are sold in growlers, so you can get one for your table or take one to go from the market.

The Giveaway:

$25 Gift Card to Vecchia

How to Enter:

Head over to Facebook and LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE our Faecbook post for a chance to win.
(Winner will be drawn on Thursday, November 30th)

‘Tis the Season to frenzy clean. Guests are coming for the holidays and it’s time to face the facts, those baseboards and ceiling fans aren’t going to clean themselves… Use this checklist and get a jump on some of that Holiday cleaning!

Around the House:

First, de-clutter. It’s time to work your way through that stack of mail on the counter and those shoes in the corner. Once everything is in it’s place, cleaning will go much faster.

Door knobs, door frames,  switch plates and hand rails. If you have kids, do not underestimate the amount of grime that can accumulate in these areas. A quick wipe down with an all purpose cleaner should make them as good as new.

Dust. Dry and wet dust all surfaces to get rid of that unwanted pet hair and make your furniture shine. Bonus for those with allergies that will be visiting.

Clean windows. Give those windows and glass doors a good cleaning to rid them of hand prints and dog slobber. Warm soapy water is great for wiping down around the window sills, inside and out.

Bathrooms:

Pay special attention to those shower doors and mirrors.

Kitchen:

Wipe down all appliances.

Tackle the Fridge. Toss expired condiments, wipe down shelves and get rid of those unwanted leftovers. Chances are you’re going to need as much space as possible once you start your cooking.

Living Room:

Spot Clean your carpet and rugs: Check for any stains that might stand out in your well-lit room, but beware of light colored carpets. If it is deeply soiled, a spot-clean will leave a reverse stain: a big clean spot in a sea of dingy carpet. If this is the case it might be best to get the whole thing professionally cleaned ahead of time.

Fluff pillows and sofa cushions.

Bedrooms:

Make Beds. If you’re having over night guests, make sure beds are made with fresh clean sheets and pillows to create an inviting feel for your family and friends.

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Our Giveaways to Giftaway Promotion is BACK!!

Play Hard, Travel Often!

For millions of travelers, the three-letter airport codes assigned to major cities instantly evoke the memories of journeys past, the anticipation of adventure ahead, or the satisfaction of heading home once business is done.

Aviate is built on that idea of community.

The Giveaway:

1 Aviate Prize pack, includes Black BHM hat and Aviate Bag.

How to Enter:

LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE our Facebook post for a chance to win.
(Winner will be drawn on Wednesday, November 29th)

It is that busy time of year! Most experts agree that holidays make people feel out of control. Visiting family, attending parties, shopping, and holiday activities can take its toll on a person, so I have put together 7 ways to de-stress and cope with this seasons festivities:

1. Figure out the main cause of your stress and anxiety. A lot of the time we are running around to different things only to return home feeling deflated and empty. Narrowing down the biggest stressors coming our way will help us be better prepared to deal with them and keep the stress under control while also enjoying ourselves.
2. Try something new. If going to the usual family party is too overwhelming suggest new options like new venues or new traditions to change things up and keep family from the same old yearly frustrations.
3. DON’T think about how it should have been! Almost every year I think of how everything could have been better and stress over something that is too late to fix. I compare myself to others photos and experiences and get down on myself for not meeting the mark. Most people do not have the perfect holiday and those that do usually simplified everything. Do what feels good and fun to you and be happy with it.
4. DON’T OVER DO IT!! I wish I could scream this at myself every October. I always want to top myself from the year before and by January I am so worn out and grouchy I promise myself next year will be better. It’s a vicious circle. Simplify your schedules and activities. Spend more time with family just enjoying each other without all the jazz. It really does make a huge difference in my attitude and feelings on the holidays. SO much joy is found in simplicity.
5. Do something you love that is not holiday related. Reading a book, organizing a closet, or making a favorite meal can bring you back to normal life make a huge difference in your happiness. It may sound crazy but when you feel out of control organizing something like a drawer or bag can return those feelings of control and peace. Taking control and making time for something you love works too. I always feel so much more like myself when I do something that I love outside of my holiday to-do list.
6. Get some exercise. This is a go to of mine all year round but especially around November and December. Getting some fresh air or taking a class at the gym helps me clear my mind of all the things weighing me down. I literally feel like a weight has been lifted on my shoulders after 30 minutes or so of exercise.
   1. A side note to this one is –find your own calm- exercise doesn’t work for everyone but taking a bath after the kids are in bed or taking a scenic drive alone can have the same effects of exercise. Do what works for you.

7. Take deep calming breaths of citrus. Researchers have found that citrus and other fragrances boost a sense of calm and happiness, reducing stress and bettering our moods. Keep a handkerchief or cloth with oils in your pocket or buy a candle that soothes you for the end of the day.

Remember what the holidays are really about and make that the focus of your to do list.

About Grace:

Grace was born and brought up in Bessemer, Alabama but has a great love for exploring new places. She has been married for 8 years and has 3 kids, expecting number 4 in December. Having been  a student off and on for the last 10 years she is excited to say that she is finally graduating from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling this year. She loves to learn and share what she learns with as many people as possible. Strengthening and encouraging positive relationships with couples and families is a life goal and passion. Her biggest hobby is her family and finding new and fun ways to accomplish the above life goal in her home.